Thanks for Your Understanding and Support

We sincerely appreciate the flood of support we have received from neighbors in response to our decision to close our property to public access.  Of course, we would all prefer to have our neighborhood here in north Fort Collins remain exactly as it was ten or twenty years ago.  But the neighbors who have contacted us understand our predicament and support our desire to reclaim our backyard and preserve our privacy. 

To all who have been so supportive, we say Thank you!  We very much appreciate your support and your gratitude for our contribution to the neighborhood all these years.  Here are a few excerpts from the response we have received from our neighbors in nearby communities.  (Most are drawn from longer emails with personal detail that I have omitted here.)

Voices of Our Neighbors

"Thanks for sharing your property with us for all of those years!"

"Sorry for your predicament. Thanks for being so forthcoming."

"Impressive website.  I don’t use your path, but I am a frequent neighborhood cyclist, jogger, walker and a parent of kids who probably do use your path.  It’s a tough predicament you’re in and I don’t envy it. For selfish reasons I’d obviously like the access stay open, but I understand where you’re coming from.  You have obviously put a lot of thought into this decision, and I respect your privacy."

"We've certainly appreciated the access to the field and Wakonda for dog walking and running but completely understand the need to fence it off.  You've been more than generous so you shouldn't feel bad about protecting you privacy and property."

"Thank you for all the years you let me ride my horses and walk my dog across your beautiful backyard to get to the fields. I am very sad, and I also understand completely."

"As someone who has incorporated your informal path into many variations on running routes for the past almost-twenty years now, I will really miss that option. I just visited your explanatory web site -- very well done! I totally understand your quandary and the increasing problems you've experienced, compounded with [your neighbors’] recent access closure and the potential for close-by new development."

"We see some of the same issues on the path network here at Greyrock Commons. So far we've been able to live with them and, like you, we like many aspects of keeping the property open and accessible. Like you, we'll keep monitoring the situation and who knows what the future holds?  Mainly, I want to thank you for your generosity in providing unofficial access across your property for years. I and many others have really appreciated it!"

"I am a Greyrock Commons neighbor who used to use your path many years ago, but haven’t been on it recently. I am not one of those who stopped to say “thank you,” so I want to do that now. Thanks so much for letting us use the path while we could. I really appreciated being able to keep off the busy streets. I certainly understand your need for closing the area now, and I’m sorry people cannot be more respectful of property. I hope all goes well and your grass grows anew."

"Thanks for letting us know of the closure, and the reasons why.  I haven't used the paths on your property for a long time, but I used to walk with a fellow neighbor from Greyrock Commons out to Dean Acres and back years ago."

"Thanks for the thoughtful explanation of your dilemma, and I can completely understand why you made this difficult decision.  Thanks for making it work for so long.  I'm sorry that inconsiderate and rude behavior has brought this quandary upon you."

"So sorry to hear about this as this is one of the things that makes this neighborhood so wonderful.  The walking paths were one reason we moved to the neighborhood.  Again, sorry to see this access go and I understand your situation.   Certainly you have the right to change access to your property and I support that fully."

"Thank you for informing your neighbors.  Although I do not use your path, I always thought allowing access through your property was above and beyond being gracious."

"Thanks for allowing access to your property for so many years and good luck!"

"Don and Elise, I'm sorry to hear the news about the path. I've enjoyed many walks on it and feel bad that you guys have been bothered. You have been generous over the years."

"I totally understand. I’m sure it was a hard decision & I appreciate the many years I’ve been able to cut thru your property."

"A very impressive, thoughtful and considerate website.  We use your trail frequently and enjoy the flowering yucca & cactus and views and appreciate you allowing the access.  Although it is disappointing for the closure, we completely understand and support your decision.  Regarding the incidents you have had happen on your property,  we commend you for your tolerance and patience.  Whether private trails like yours or county/state parks or national forest,  we are saddened and irritated at the many irresponsible people we also encounter not protecting property. 

"Again, thank you for allowing access across your property.  If you need help in fencing or any restoration work, please contact us as we would be very happy to help."